Colorado Restaurant Compendium

[JoeStrummer]

5 stars for Rioja, on Larimer. Best meal I've had in Denver in 4 years, and the wife and I eat out frequently. Servers were attentive, ambience was great in the main dining room, and the food was fantastic. We started with the cheese plate (perfection) and moved into main courses (leg of lamb for me, sea bass for the wife) which were cooked perfectly. Dessert was cappucino and pot d' creme.

Highly recommended!

[Rontele]

Izakaya Den (South Pearl) $-$$$$ (really depending on how much food you order) - Japanese Fusion/Sushi
1518 S. Pearl
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0691

Izakaya Den is the new tapas creation of the owners of Sushi Den. Located a half block south of its formidable brother, Izakaya Den presents a new and different alternative to arguably the best sushi in town at the "Den". Entering the restaurant transports you to a what appears to be a different locale; "this can't possibly be in Denver, could it?" The decor is pretty sweet and it looks like they've spent some time thinking about executing the restaurant.

Now, I know you don't go to restaurants for the decor, so let's talk about the food. I started off with a potent cocktail, a Smochu Smash, which was some concotion of vodka and various fresh fruit juices. Strong and tasty, though for $11, I'll likely just order a beer next time.

Rontele, the future-Mrs. Rontele, and the future-Mrs. Rontele's parent's (the "in-laws") shared sushi and four platters. The sushi was as good as the Den, the spicy tuna roll tasted fresh and excellent and eight pieces for $5.50 represents a good deal. The baked spicy roll (same price) was equally excellent.

Each of us had a house salad with their take on the typical ginger soy dressing. It was very fresh and typical of most sushi restaurants. We then shared four of their small plate "tapas". This is the only way to order at the restaurant and each of us ordering a plate and trying the sushi proved filling. We first went after the calamari, which was amazing. Cut thick, and fried perfectly in tempura, the dipping sauces were superb. Next we moved onto halibut with fresh veggies in a ginger sauce. Another excellent dish. Next we had the cod in sweet soy. This was the best dish of the night and highly recommended. Finally, we had some kobe beef sliders, which were okay, the highlight being the fois grois they put on them.

Overall, and considering this restaurant is a mere four blocks from our new house, we'll be back. You can definitely eat there and not break the bank, but its also a really nice place for special occassions and for you single, hoping to score gents, a good date restaurant.

And I think they created this restaurant to better compete with another favorite of mine, Sushi Sasa

[mitch buchannon]

Hapa (Cherry Creek) $-$$ - Japanese/Sushi
2780 E. 2nd Ave.
Denver, CO
(303) 322-9554

RSVP is not accepted.

I'll throw a bit of bio in the review which LB can take liberty with. I like to think I know my sushi and have eaten at some top sushi restaurants back in NYC. I have also been to Sushi Den in Denver more than a handful of times. What I have grown an appreciation for with regard Japanese cuisine are the special rolls. Don't get me wrong, I could easily indulge in a plate of 18 pieces of tuna sashimi, but that doesn't quite do it for me these days. With that said, where Sushi Den lacks in is what Hapa excels: the special rolls of which there are many to sample. Hapa breaks it down conveniently by a scale: beginner, intermediate, and Hapa originals (advance) to help novices better select their meal. All seven times I've been here, I have made it absolutely necessary to have the Multiple Orgasm roll which is crab mixed with smoked salmon tempura, baked, and topped with a cream cheese sauce. Another new favorite and easily one of the best appetizers I've had of any cuisine is the Spicy Tuna Nachos for $12.95. Centered on a plate of warm tortilla chips is a very healthy serving of chopped tuna topped with guacamole, fresh mango salsa, and sour cream. In a nutshell, "WOW!" greatly defines this creative dish. Service has been top notched every time I've been there. 20-ounce Sapooro for $6 and the crisp/lightly fruity Smith-Sohne Relax Riesling are highly recommended to accompany your meal well.

Really? I've never been more than meh about this place. When you coat the fish in that many layers of shit (cream cheese, mayo, etc), you're hiding something. Interesting to read another viewpoint.

[Danno]

Really? I've never been more than meh about this place. When you coat the fish in that many layers of shit (cream cheese, mayo, etc), you're hiding something. Interesting to read another viewpoint.

I have not been all that impressed with the Hapa in Boulder. And special rolls are pretty common around here (Hapa, Zanmai, Japango). They do taste damn good (try baking something in cream cheese and NOT have it taste good!). OTOH, they're not exactly healthy.

If I am going out for sushi in Boulder, Hapa is 3rd or 4th (Sushi Tora is first for authentic sushi, Zanmai is first for the alternative "special" sushi, and Hapa and Japango battle for 3rd).

[pechelman]

not that ive been there, but i agree with mitch's sentiments on sushi in general
its about the fish, and with that many things, itll cover it up.
This is the same reason I hate seafood\fish places that only feature fish in these elaborate sauces, crusts, and toppings.

And it is as he says, that its interesting to read a different view point. Most people I know that really enjoy sushi have started with the rolls and such, and then have grown to find that they appreciate good fresh fish the most and will just order that.

and im also with danno on this, that they sure as hell are tasty though sometimes
Although theyre more of what Id want as an appetizer or dessert, rather than what id like to make a meal.

Most fancy rolls like this Id probably just consider americanized fusion sushi or something.

[Danno]

get yer own opinions, quit agreeing with everyone.

[Rontele]

Big Hoss 3961 Tennyson. 720-855-3061 $-$$. BBQ.

Dear Lemon Boy,

I know you like to smoke your own meat, but do me a kindness and try out Big Hoss. We took carry-out from there last night and it was excellent (excellent being it slays the shit out of Brother's and is on par if not a tad better than M&Ds). The ribs were delicious, not over smoked, fresh, and tasted good. We also had some of the BBQ chicken, which was delicious. Sides include an excellent version of the BBQ staple, Baked Beans, home cut fries, some sort of hash browns with mushrooms, and cheesy corn (fuggin awesome).

My father-in-law, who picked up dinner, said the restaurant proper is pretty nice with a good bar, wide variety on the menu. Next time, we dine there.

[lemon boy]

another round of edits will happen eventually but to tide you over:

GB Fish & Chips - Bway and Louisiana* = the kind.

*directly across from pasquinis on bway.

[MrZach]

I'll toss one in for Northern Colorado.

The CharcoBroiler has been a Fort Collins institution for 50-some years and I've grown a new appreciation for it:

Charco Broiler - $-$$$ - American/Steakhouse
1716 E. Mulberry St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 482-1472

After not having been to this restaurant in several years, the wif and I stopped in on our way back from Cheyenne a few months back (since they serve 'till 10 or 11) and we've been hitting it up pretty regular since.

They're a typical no-frills American steakhouse. The steaks are good, prepared accordingly and the typical sides are good as well. The standouts for me, however, are their open-faced burgers. Made of ground sirloin, cooked to order and served with your choice of side (I'd recommend the house-made french fries - YUM!), you just can't go wrong. Perfect post-skiing/riding food for when rolling back into town. The Rio Grand is my favorite: slathered in their house-made green chili (there's a red chili option as well). The bar is well stocked and reasonable priced. Get a seat in the "North Forty" room or by the bar for the best ambiance in the place.

[Rontele]

another round of edits will happen eventually but to tide you over:

GB Fish & Chips - Bway and Louisiana* = the kind.

*directly across from pasquinis on bway.

Stoked to try this out (in the 'hood!)

[Rontele]

LB, GB's fish and chips lived up to the expectations. And I'll add this:

Gaia Bistro 1551 S. Pearl, (303) 777-5569. Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch. $-$$.

Gaia recently received rave reviews from 5280 in their annual restaurant write-up. As new transplants to the neighborhood and within walking distance, the future-Mrs. Rontele and I strolled over there yesterday for Sunday brunch. Tucked away in an old home on S. Pearl, Gaia serves up an eclectic brunch touched off with care, good ingredients, and excellent french press coffee. I had a pablano pepper stuffed with scrambled eggs, brie, and ham. The future-Mrs. had an egg scramble with swiss and spinach, with a side of fruit and bacon.

The meals were well portioned, reasonably priced, and most importantly, delicious. We'll be back.

[pechelman]

Sansone’s Bistro - $$$ - Continental Bistro
5969 S University Blvd
Greenwood Village CO 80121
Ph: 303-794-4026
Rule number 1: get the soufflé. Best in Denver easily. Their schnitzels are the schitzzizzle (sorry, I mean they’re good, real good). Sansone’s is a pretty small cozy place that has good food for pretty decent prices.

went here for the 2nd time last week
souffle was as good as last time, which is to say,

ordered a couple new things that were delish
artichokes french - some sort of egg battered deep fried artichoke hearts then smothered in a lemon butter wine type sauce...nom nom nom
definitely bread dipping worthy

duck confit - came out a little dry, but what it lacked there, it made up for in being the most crispy duck confit ive ever had. It was on par overall with "The Best Duck in Los Angeles” at Cabernet Bistro in Solvang. The sides were great as well as before.

Posting this really just to add that
-They offer half portion sizes so you dont have to feel like a pig if you order appetizer and dessert along with your entree and salad\soup. The half sized schnitzel pechelwoman ordered was still about the size of two hands.
-Wednesday (when we went) they offer 15$ off wine 35$ or more and 20$ off 50$ or more. (limited time im assuming)

also
be prepared to be the youngest person in there if you're under the age of 50.

[leroy jenkins]

I love how all you front rangers refer to boulder/denver/summit/berthod etc as "Colorado" as if thats all there is.

[pechelman]

I love how all you front rangers refer to boulder/denver/summit/berthod etc as "Colorado" as if thats all there is.

this thread is open to everyone and everywhere in colorado

Either contribute or STFU

edit:
and while we're at it leeroy...
Ginger Cafe $-$$
Thai\Indian\Pan-Asian
313 Third Street
Crested Butte, CO
970-349-7291
Went here recently this past season with a big group of friends one evening on the recommendations of one of those other threads.
I dont think any of us ordered the same thing, and everything was kickass. The owner? \ bartender was one cool dude and hooked us up with some amazing drinks, most people got ginger mojitos I think. Really good stuff. Reservations highly reccomended on any night you might think itll be busy. Its a small place with about a 15 tables.


Le Petit Chablis $$-$$$
French
512 Royal Gorge Boulevard, Cañon City, Colorado 81212 ph 719.269.3333
Canon City isnt exactly where one might look for fine French Cuisine, but as it so happens, theyve got a jewel hidden in their town.
Reservations Reccomended. An entirely new menu every evening. There are no formal menus, only a large chalk board where they write the evening's options.
Ive only been there once, but the place we were staying at, all the guests went there for dinner as well, and each was raving as we were.
I would definitely go back. We kept things simple and went with lamb chops and some wild salmon special they had...maybe in a puff pastry? (it was a while ago so I forget). Really a very quaint homelike feel. What Id imagine a countryside place in France might look like.

Red Rose Cafe - $-$$
Italian \ Asian \ Eclectic
235 Main St
Palisade, CO 81526
(970) 464-7673
Theres honestly not a lot of great food we were able to find in Palisade area, even despite all the wineries, but this came highly recommended from the Inn owners.
Eclectic fare is as best as I can describe it I suppose. The owner is Italian and makes Italian things, and the owners wife, is Vietnamese, so she specializes in that, so dont be scarred off when you see those two things juxtaposed on the menu. Very casual, Reservations not required i wouldnt think. Good portions, though maybe a tad overpriced...but considering the other options, they have a monopoly in town on good food.

[lemon boy]

Exactly. If you have non-front range reccos then by all means chuck them in. Per the first line in the first post:

Since this gets endlessly hashed out, we should just have a compendium for Colorado restaurants

See anything about it only being the front range? Nope. That is however where most of us live and it's a little difficult for me personally to have reccos in such far flung places as A$$pen, CB, S-ton and whatnot b/c I can't get down there often enough to have a deep enough base to say this place not that. Ergo, for non-front range recs, we depend on non-front rangers.

So please allow me to re-write your critique as it should have been:

It's sad how all the non-front rangers refer to "Colorado" as boulder/denver/summit/berthod etc as if thats all there is.

[Rontele]

LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEROY JENKINS

You're still a tool and a douchebag, but if I find some time, I'll write up good reviews from all of the excellent restaurants in the RFV including, but limited to:

Pacifica
Tempranillo
Ella
Phat Thai
689

[pechelman]

added a couple more to prove a point

LB, whats your take on expanding this "Restuarant Compendium" to also include B&B's?
Afterall, the first restaurants were nothing but Inn's that catered to weary travelers

[lemon boy]

Ummmmmmmm I have no idea? Trending toward the fleabag motel end of the lodging spectrum lemons don't do BnBs but if you chuck em in they'll either eventually make it up into the compendium or at the very least stay as a jewell hidden among the posts

Actually, maybe you could take on the mantle of a whole thread: the Colorado Lodging Compendium. Cause nobody should get stuck with more than one of these fucking things.

[leroy jenkins]

this thread is open to everyone and everywhere in colorado

Either contribute or STFU

I know, its more a general observation, not just about this thread. If you guys haven't noticed, pay attention, you will.


High class aspen places:

Pinions: Get the crab cakes. And be prepared to eat again in a few hours because like most super fancy places, the portions are tiny.

Johnny mguires ( i honestly can't remember the spelling): Best sandwiches ever. Best sandwich bread ever. Cheap by aspen standards too, especially considering how much food you get.

[lemon boy]

A refresher on one of the most important aspects of this exercise (it's not just you leroy):

Please help me out by following the below template, your recommendation will not make it into the compendium unless it is in the format or I know and like the place enough to put it in the format:

Name (with embedded website if available) - $ rating - Type
Addresss Phone
Short Review

Regarding the above items:
Dollar Scale = $ 5-10/main, $$11-20/main, $$$21-35/main, $$$$36+/main
Food Type/Ethnicity (eg: New American, French, Thai, etc...)
A short review (which I will edit and plagiarize - for brevity, content and truthiness)
Must Haves/Must Avoids/Misc. Warnings (such as - no liquor license or the garlic chocolate prawns are disgusting)

[pechelman]

ha!
between my Ski weight thread, Snowy Torrents thread, and the Paper Template ski jig thread, I already have three
all of which I think have been in dire need of updates.

really though I only have 2 to suggest. We dont sleep around too much
see what you think

A Divine Thyme (Great price for a BnB- at the time I booked it was 80 for the small room and 175 for the super deluxe suite)
Tom & Cathy Monroe
404 West 1st St.
Palisade CO 81526
So yea, the name is a little cheesy, but get past that. We stayed here last year when they were still fairly new (maybe 3 months open?). Cathy and I setup the reservation almost exclusively by email cause Im lazy. She was super accommodating with getting us a room\checkin, certain dietary restrictions, getting us breakfast one day that she had to work, and even surprising us with a couple desserts since I had mentioned to her it was pechelwoman's birthday. While we ended up not bringing them, she also offered us a locked and covered place to store our bikes. Their dog bogart is super friendly too Really cozy comfy rooms as to be excepted, an awesome patio to enjoy breakfast or whatever, hot tub, and a bbq grill. The breakfast was some amazing Orange French Toast with compound butters and syrup. If you want to stay here, PM me before you make reservations and I can probably get you a discount.

Jewel of the Canyons (~120ish I think)
429 Greenwood Avenue
Cañon City, Colorado 81212
719-275-0378
Comfortable rooms, a bit on the smaller side though i think. Amenities were much more limited than a hotel, but it was made up for by hospitality, an amazing breakfast (really wow), and home made caramels which were the best ive ever had. Probably *the* best and nicest place to stay in Canyon city, cause well, its not exactly a posh type of town. Walking distance to Le Petit Chablis

[lemon boy]

as long as it's just two but whichever of you fuckers adds a third gets to start a whole new EMO thread of your own.

[Danno]

*deletes post about bed and breakfast*

[lemon boy]

Comeon dude, EMO up for us. I for one have a whole host of fleabag lodging to throw your way.

[Danno]

I didn't really delete any posts at all.

And for me, fleabag lodging is living in the lap of luxury! I'm usually sleeping in my truck.